Symphony presents Messiah

Published 6:00 pm, Saturday, November 27, 2010

The Plainview Symphony will perform its annual Christmas concert at 7:30 p.m. Thursday in Harral Auditorium on the Wayland Baptist University campus.

The 40-member orchestra, led by Texas Orchestra Conductor of the Year Boyce Wyrick, will open the evening's music with several traditional Christmas favorites. These include "Sleighride," "The Skater's Waltz," "White Christmas," "Hark, The Herald Angels Sing," and "Carol of the Bells."

The highlight of the evening will be the performance of the Christmas section of Handel's "Messiah." The symphony will be joined by the 150-voice Plainview Symphony Chorale comprised of singers from First Baptist Church, First United Methodist Church, College Heights Baptist Church, Plainview High School's A Cappella Choir, The Wayland Singers and Wayland's International Choir.

These choirs have been rehearsing for weeks to master the complex choral vocalizations that Handel set down in 1741.

"I have been uplifted by the richness of sound that the combined choir gives to this masterpiece," said Dr. Ann Stutes, dean of Wayland's School of Music who also directs the First United Methodist Choir.

"The combination of the orchestra and chorale will lift your heart. I only wish I could sing with the chorale, but I get to play my viola in the orchestra."

" ‘Messiah' contains some of the most powerful choral and solo works ever composed for singers," Stutes added.

"Four exceptional soloists will join the Chorale. Dr. Sarah Herrington, soprano, Carl Moman, tenor, Micah Meixner, alto, and Brian Kuhnert, bass, are among the best soloists in the South Plains, and their interpretations of Handel's arias and recitatives will keep the audience mesmerized.

"They are eager to join with the Chorale for the finale, the ‘Hallelujah Chorus' which will have everyone standing in awe."

Dr. Gary Belshaw, president of the Plainview Symphony board of directors, assures everyone that the concert will entertain and inspire them to recognize the true purpose of Christmas.

"The Plainview Christmas parade is the same evening, so watch the parade at 6:30 and then come on down to Harral Auditorium to enjoy the fine music," Belshaw said.

"This concert will be the highlight of your holiday and the best Christmas present you could give your family."

Tickets for the concert are available at Pak Mail, the Wayland Bookstore, online at www.plainviewsymphony.org, or by calling 806-221-2884.